Adobe in Action Field Workshops
Our field workshops focus on mastering and expanding on the techniques covered in our online Adobe Construction Certificate program. Each field workshop is offered at least once per year in New Mexico or a neighboring state. Oftentimes, the workshops provide direct support to one of our ongoing owner builder support projects. We strive to align our workshops with existing academic and professional earthbuilding institutions to contribute to a nationally recognized certification in adobe construction (for example our Field Workshops are a great way to prepare for TEG’s Adobe Proficiency Certification).
Intro to Adobe Preservation
Format: Field Workshop
Instructor: Pat Taylor
Workload: 2 Days (16 Hours)
Credits: 2
Fee: $270
Our Intro to Adobe Preservation workshop is usually offered each spring and fall in conjunction with various ongoing adobe preservation field projects that instructor Pat Taylor is working on in the Mesilla, NM area. The exact topics covered in this workshop depend on how far along the projects are when the workshop commences but plan on the following essential adobe preservation topics being covered:
adobe home assessments
soil testing & adobe blockmaking
basal wall stabilization & repair techniques
stucco removal & replacement with natural plasters
Horno Design & Construction
Format: Field Workshop
Instructor: Issac Logsdon
Workload: 3 Days (24 Hours)
Credits: 3
Fee: $400
Our Horno Design & Construction workshop is one of the best ways to learn the basics of adobe construction. All of the steps of adobe house construction are covered in the oven build:
installing a small foundation for the oven using compacted gravel
performing soil tests and making adobe test bricks
laying adobe mortar and blocks to build the walls of the oven base
installing a brick on sand floor which serves as the baking surface of the oven
building the oven dome using an earthen roof technique
finishing the oven with a natural earthen plaster
Adobe Basics & Blockmaking
Format: Field Workshop
Instructor: Issac Logsdon
Workload: 2 Days (16 Hours)
Credits: 2
Fee: $270
Our Adobe Basics & Blockmaking workshop is usually offered each spring in conjunction with one of our ongoing Owner Builder Support projects in New Mexico. This workshop covers two full days of intensive adobe basics & blockmaking practice with a special focus on low-cost equipment and strategies for owner builders.
Adobe Wall Construction
Format: Field Workshop
Instructor: Issac Logsdon
Workload: 2 Days (16 Hours)
Credits: 2
Fee: $270
Our Adobe Wall Construction workshop is usually offered each summer in conjunction with one of our ongoing Owner Builder Support projects in New Mexico. This workshop covers two full days of intensive adobe wall construction practice and will give participants ample opportunity to mix mortar and lay up adobe blocks.
Natural Plastering, Insulation & Floors
Format: Field Workshop
Instructor: Issac Logsdon
Workload: 2 Days (16 Hours)
Credits: 2
Fee: $270
Our Natural Plastering, Insulation & Floors workshop is usually offered each fall in conjunction with one of our ongoing Owner Builder Support projects in New Mexico. This workshop covers two full days of intensive earthen plaster practice. Many of the techniques covered can also be applied to mixing and installing light-straw clay insulation as well as earthen floors.